Former Detective Russell Poole: Police Leadership Slowed Down the Investigation in the Biggie Case

A former Los Angeles police homicide detective is leveling serious allegations against his superiors. As Salon magazine reported on October 16, 2000, Russell Poole accuses LAPD leadership of halting his investigation into the death of The Notorious B.I.G. when it pointed toward a police officer.

Over 250 Leads

Poole had taken over the case in April 1997 with his partner Fred Miller and, according to his own statements, pursued more than 250 leads. He was also among the initial members of the task force investigating what would become the Rampart scandal. According to his account, superiors prohibited him from investigating former police officer David Mack. Police Chief Bernard Parks was also alleged to have held back a report on corrupt officers one year before the scandal. Parks denied that. Poole had resigned from the force in 1999 and sued the city.

The Connection to Tupac

According to Salon, many in Biggie’s circle believed the murder was retaliation for the fatal shooting of Tupac in Las Vegas, ordered by Suge Knight. In Mack’s home, investigators had found a “shrine” to Tupac. Knight’s attorney denied that his client knew Mack. None of these allegations was proven.